As this article is being posted to our Lennar Open Door blog, temperatures in New York City are at 18 degrees, Chicago a breezy 20 degrees, and it’s 12 degrees in Boston (with a wind chill that’s making it feel like two degrees). It’s a perfect time for an article about moving to a place with a much warmer climate, especially for those looking to retire.
But it may not be as simple as tossing out your hat and gloves, according to this article from U.S. News & World Report, which offers some tips for a successful move to the Sunbelt.
For example, the best way to get a feel for a retirement spot is to try it out. Consider renting for the first six months or a year to get a feel for the area without making a big financial commitment. If the first place you try doesn’t fit your needs, then it’s relatively easy to move on to someplace new.
Housing costs are often significantly lower in the Sunbelt, which offers opportunities to improve your retirement finances and boost your standard of living. Tax rates vary considerably by state, and moving in retirement can provide opportunities to significantly reduce your tax bill.